Northeast Region:

The Wildflowers of the Northeast

Wildflower gardening in the Northeast continues to gain in popularity and an understanding of the basic botanical environment is important. The Northeast is part of what botanists call the Great Northern Forest, and was solidly wooded when European colonists arrived. So it follows that most native wildflowers were shade-loving woodland perennials that enjoy somewhat acid (woodsy) soils, like the trilliums and violets.

But when heavy settlement began, our ancestors cleared forests to create farmland. And in those spaces, they planted crops. In with the crop seed they brought with them, were the seeds of European "weeds", so these sun-loving flower seeds immediately grew and made themselves at home. This is why Northeastern wildflowers today are a mixture of natives and "naturalized" flowers from other places. For example, goldenrod and black-eyed susan are native; the common daisy and chicory are from Europe. So what we see in a beautiful blaze of color along roadsides today is a mixture of the two.

With a short growing season and cold winters, the Northeastern landscape today retains its original forested history, so annual mowing of your wildflower meadow in fall is all-important. Any unmowed meadow in the region will revert to forest in about seven years. This is dramatically different from the wildflower habitats in the Great Plains and on the southern California coast which are natural grasslands and have never had solid stands of trees.

The Safe Seed Pledge

"Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, We pledge that we do not knowingly buy, sell or trade genetically engineered seeds or plants.

The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to
further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately healthy people and communities."

Create a butterfly oasis with our Monarch Butterfly Perennial Mixture. Made up of five easy-to-grow perennials that Monarchs love, this mixture not only helps butterflies, but also adds spectacular color to the garden or meadow all season long, year after year. More Details

Turtlehead is an easy-to-grow beauty that boasts dense spikes of pure white flowers on richly-green foliage. This native plant plays a vital role in nature – It acts as a host plant for several butterfly variety’s larvae and its nectar attracts winged wildlife. Perennial.More Details

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